El Paso County Commissioners approved a Proclamation recognizing November as National Adoption Month at their regular meeting Tuesday, Nov. 16, honoring adoptive families, staff and organizations supporting adoption and foster homes.
El Paso County Commissioners, DHS staff and others recognized November as National Adoption Month at the regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021.
“I want to thank all adoptive families who give children and youth the most precious and valuable thing they can give – a forever family. It means so much to have a place to call home, and family to call their own,” said El Paso County Department of Human Service Executive Director Stacie Kwitek. “I want to recognize the DHS staff who work tirelessly to connect waiting children to waiting families. I thank all adoption professionals we partner with in the community to change lives.”
In 2020, 114 adoptions were completed through El Paso County DHS. So far this year, 76 adoptions have been completed, and there is currently an active search for adoptive families for 26 El Paso County children. DHS is only one way families can adopt. Adoptions can be completed through private entities as well with international entities.
“It’s sobering and staggering to hear the numbers so close to home,” board Vice Chair Cami Bremer said, adding that the parents who step up to say yes are heroes.
Foster and adoptive parent Jennifer Pezzulo has been fostering for three years. She adopted 15-year-old Tony, who had been through multiple foster homes across six years.
“Fostering has been one of the most amazing journeys of my life,” she said. “I could not be happier to have Tony officially adopted as my son.”
There is always a need for adoption and foster homes. For more information, please check the adoption and foster pages online at https://humanservices.elpasoco.com.
Video from the Commissioner meeting and the Adoption Month Proclamation is posted online at https://youtu.be/FLnvWiWPyV0, or click on the YouTube icon on the County website.